Ben Wheeler knows how good his Rugby side is on paper but the issue at the moment is that potential isn't turning into victories.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After failing to win in the opening few weeks of the season, Rugby returns to Twenty20 action under the lights at No. 1 Oval when it meets RSL Colts in the MoneyQuest Megahit on Friday night.
"There's a lot of improvement to come," opening bat Wheeler said after defeats to Macquarie and Colts to start the season.
"Out bowlers and working to a plan, we need to execute that a little better, and getting off to a good start with the bat.
"We lose wickets in clumps so we need to improve on that and just keep the runs ticking and not dotting it up too much."
Colts and Rugby met in last season's Megahit decider but it was the men in red who were victorious in what was a stellar season for the club.
READ ALSO:
Wheeler said Twenty20 isn't a format Rugby focuses on or exactly thrives on, but the nature of the game can suit players who have the ability to change the game quickly.
Rugby captain Jacob Hill, Nathan Munro, and James O'Brien fall into that category while Wheeler's power hitting can rival that of anyone in the competition.
He's been one of the shining lights for his team so far this season, making 65 from 52 balls against Colts in a 40-over contest two weeks ago.
While his striking of the ball has impressed, Wheeler said all Rugby batsman can work on rotating the strike more and it will be particularly key in Twenty20 matches.
"We dot up a lot. We've got to turn the strike over more and keep the runs going," he said.
"I think we just shut down a bit at times."
Colts and Rugby have a long-standing rivalry and while it has been a little one-sided in recent times, Wheeler said the matches often do bring the best out of his team.
The powerful left-hander has a little more motivation as he works for Colts star and former NSW Country player Mitch Bower.
"I'm normally pretty quick and he's normally the one with the banter," Wheeler said of the week leading up to a Rugby-Colts match.
"It's probably because he's on the winning side so I have to keep my mouth shut."
Colts will head into the match having beaten both CYMS and Rugby prior to last weekend's wash out.
Friday's match starts at 6.30pm.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
